House Speaker Martin Romualdez (center) next to First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos during the groundbreaking ceremony of the West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSUMC) expansion project (Speaker's Office)

Another enduring legacy of the Marcos administration.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez expressed this sentiment as led the groundbreaking for the expansion of the West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSUMC).

During the groundbreaking rite, Romualdez said the expansion project was meant to “plant the seeds for future excellence in healthcare education and delivery” in Visayas and even Mindanao.

“This facility is poised to become a critical hub for medical training, addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals equipped to handle future health challenges," he said.

Romualdez says the project marks a pivotal moment in Western Visayas' healthcare landscape. 

He said this signals “a bold step forward” in addressing the evolving healthcare needs of the Filipino people since it has been a paramount concern as highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Let's nurture this endeavor, which promises to enhance healthcare services and education significantly. Together, we will watch this institution rise as a symbol of our collective commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community,” the Speaker said.

Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives, expressed his gratitude to the lawmakers who attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

He says their participation is part of the oversight function of Congress, to make sure that government resources are properly utilized.

“This is teamwork, and this is all because of the direction set by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.,” he said.

Among the House members present were House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Rep. Zaldy Co and House Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Janette Garin. The two solons facilitated the initial funding of P500 million for the project under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2023.

At a proposed cost of P2.57 billion, the project aims to construct a state-of-the-art 15-story tower complex that will boast a 352 inpatient-bed capacity.

The construction will proceed in phases with the project’s completion set for December 2030.

Romualdez also thanked First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, who was also present in the ceremony.

The Speaker underscored the First Lady’s instrumental role in bringing to fruition another legacy for her husband, President Marcos, which is grounded in the belief that every life is invaluable.

Located in Iloilo City, the WVSUMC is a government-owned, university-based hospital renowned for its outstanding medical training and services. 

The facility also serves as an educational institution tasked with training and educating medical students of the College of Medicine, nursing students of the College of Nursing, and other allied sciences of West Visayas State University (WVSU).